Here’s a look at some of the latest nonfiction we’ve received at CA Library recently. Look for them in the New Books section!

The Beautiful Struggle: A Memoir by Ta-Nehisi Coates — Adapted from the adult memoir by the bestselling author of The Water Dancer and Between the World and Me, this father-son story explores how boys become men, and quite specifically, how Ta-Nehisi Coates became Ta-Nehisi Coates. “This title would be a great read for parent and child bonding, but it would also make a great leisure read for young readers who finds solace in understanding the diversity of humanity of those around them” (Booklist).

Becoming: Adapted For Young Readers by Michelle Obama — An honest and fascinating account of Michelle Obama’s life led by example. She shares her views on how all young people can help themselves as well as help others, no matter their status in life. She asks readers to realize that no one is perfect, and that the process of becoming is what matters, as finding yourself is ever evolving. In telling her story with boldness, she asks young readers: Who are you, and what do you want to become?

Becoming RBG: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Journey To Justice by Debbie Levy — A biographical graphic novel about celebrated Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a modern feminist icon and leader in the fight for equal treatment of girls and women in society and the workplace. Ginsburg has often said that true and lasting change in society and law is accomplished slowly, one step at a time — this is how she evolved, too. “Fans of graphic biographies such as Penelope Bagieu’s Brazen or John Lewis’s March will appreciate this look at how the “Notorious RBG” came up” (School Library Journal).

Cosmic Queries: StarTalk’s Guide To Who We Are, How We Got Here, And Where We’re Going by Neil deGrasse Tyson — World-renowned astrophysicist, planetary scientist author Neil deGrasse Tyson tackles the world’s most important philosophical questions about the universe with wit, wisdom, and cutting-edge science. “Casual readers and science buffs alike will appreciate Tyson’s folksy approach to explaining difficult scientific concepts. An engaging work with wide appeal (Library Journal).

The COVID-19 Pandemic: The World Turned Upside Down by Hal Marcovitz — Documents the unprecedented events that rocked the nation and the world in 2020. With personal accounts, perspectives from experts, and clear, accessible writing, this book presents a vivid picture of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it turned the world upside down. “Statistics quoted here are from the end of May 2020, while the pandemic was ongoing; the book’s usefulness is in its descriptions of how Americans adapted during the initial outbreak” (Booklist).

Free Lunch by Rex Ogle — Rex Ogle recounts his first semester in sixth grade in which he and his younger brother often went hungry, wore secondhand clothes, and were short of school supplies and he was on his school’s free lunch program. Grounded in the immediacy of physical hunger and the humiliation of having to announce it every day in the school lunch line, Rex’s is a compelling story of a more profound hunger — that of a child for his parents’ love and care. “Ogle’s story will inspire empathy for the experience of children living in poverty…[for] readers who are ready to grapple with the realities of the impacts of socioeconomic status” (School Library Journal).

A History of Magic, Witchcraft & The Occult, foreword by Suzannah Lipscomb — Explore the extraordinary narrative of one of the most interesting and often controversial subjects in the world — from ancient animal worship and shamanism, through alchemy and divination to modern Wicca and the resurgence of the occult in 21st-century literature, movies, and television. “Though European practices comprise the majority of the text, there is a wealth of global information in this brief and attractive package” (Booklist).

Let’s Talk About It: The Teen’s Guide To Sex, Relationships and Being Human by Erika Moen — How do you find the answers to all the questions you have about yourself, about your identity, and about your body? Let’s Talk About It provides a comprehensive, thoughtful, well-researched graphic novel guide to everything you need to know. “With back matter including helpful resources, this book is recommended for teens who want an easy-to-follow guide that won’t talk down to them, and health educators wanting an engaging addition to their curriculum” (Booklist).

One Life by Megan Rapinoe — The Olympic gold medalist and two-time Women’s World Cup champion describes her childhood in a conservative California town, her athletic achievements, and her public advocacy of civil rights and urgently needed social change. “Essential for all readers. Rapinoe shares much wisdom throughout, and her words are a call for action to continue to fight societal inequalities” (Library Journal).

Picturing Resistance: Moments and Movements Of Social Change From The 1950s to Today by Melanie Light and Ken Light — A compelling photographic history of the important moments of progressive resistance — from the civil rights movement to the present — to inspire the change-makers and activists of today. “Through energizing photographs and explanatory prose, teens will discover the rich history of protest in America” (Booklist).

Singled Out: The True Story of Glenn Burke by Andrew Maraniss — Bestselling author Maraniss (Games Of Deception, 2019) tells the remarkable true story of the LA Dodgers’ Glenn Burke, a “hidden figure” in the history of sports — the inventor of the high five and the first openly gay MLB player. “Maraniss does an extraordinary job of recording [Burke’s] memorable life in black-and-white photographs and fluid, compelling writing that is both biography and de facto history of gay rights and the depredations of homophobia” (Booklist).

Tiananmen 1989: Our Shattered Hopes by Lun Zhang and Adrien Gombeaud — The story, told in graphic novel format, of China’s infamous June Fourth Incident — otherwise known as the Tiananmen Square Massacre — from the first-hand account of a young sociology teacher who witnessed it all. “The majority student-led historical movement should resonate deeply with today’s teen activists” (Booklist).

We Must Not Forget: Holocaust Stories of Survival and Resistance by Deborah Hopkinson — In this thoroughly researched and passionately written narrative, critically acclaimed author Deborah Hopkinson (D-Day: The World War II Invasion That Changed History, 2018) allows the voices of Holocaust survivors to live on the page, recalling their persecution, survival, and resistance. “An important and timely book that spotlights the untold stories of survivors of the Nazi regime and the Holocaust” (School Library Journal).

World Wild Vet: Encounters In The Animal Kingdom by Evan Antin — Dr. Evan Antin takes readers beyond his viral Instagram posts right into the wild world with him. World Wild Vet is an up close and personal look at planet earth, in all its wild glory. But beyond the laugh-out-loud stories and dangerous encounters with some of our planet’s most exotic creatures, it is a clarion call to protect our delicate environment. “Teens will eagerly devour these quickly read tales of Antin’s adventures” (Booklist).